§2669a Diplomatic Telecommunications Service

Summary

The Secretary of State must fund the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service (DTS) every year starting in fiscal 1995 at whatever level is needed to keep the current support services running. Those funds cannot be moved to other uses. All money for running and improving DTS must be available directly to the DTS Program Office (DTS–PO). The DTS–PO financial manager must have direct access to the State Department’s financial system to watch and control spending. Within 60 days after August 26, 1994, the Secretary and the Director of the DTS–PO must change the DTS Policy Board so it includes the DTS–PO Director, the senior information official from each agency already on the Board, a senior career information official from the Department of Commerce and from the Defense Intelligence Agency, and senior career information officials from two other federal agencies served by DTS (these two serve 2-year rotating terms). The Secretary and the DTS–PO Director must complete a DTS consolidation pilot at at least five medium-to-large embassies by October 1, 1995. Each pilot embassy must get integrated message, data, and voice services at no extra charge; a shared transmission facility with open access to unclassified equipment; an unclassified packet-switch system for all foreign affairs agencies there; and the end of separate classified transmission systems (including MERCURY). By January 15, 1996, they must report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on what was done and provide a cost-benefit analysis for each embassy. By January 15, 1995, they must give a planning report that includes the pilot plan and a full DTS strategy with schedules and funding estimates for network design, security, transitions from classified circuits, basic voice service, funding for new or replacement systems, combining control centers and overseas operations, and reducing reliance on full-time contractors.